State sends towns money to fix potholes

Friday

Apr 18, 2014 at 12:28 AMApr 18, 2014 at 12:28 AM

The Patrick Administration has announced the 2014 Pothole and Winter Recovery Program to support and accelerate the repair of potholes and other damage caused by the recent severe winter weather. The $40 million one-time program will assist all municipalities and the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) in performing necessary repairs on state and local roadways and facilities.Hamilton will receive $36,898 toward the 45 miles of roads the town maintains, and Wenham will receive $22,737 for its 27 miles of roads."We experienced an extraordinary winter season that caused damage to our roads, bridges, and vehicles well beyond the typical year," said MassDOT Secretary and CEO Richard A. Davey. "This one-time, targeted program will speed repair and recovery and maintain safe travel for motorists.""Our cities and towns already challenged by what seemed to be never ending snow and ice removal now face higher than expected costs in fixing streets, signs, and other transportation facilities," said MassDOT Highway Division Administrator Frank DePaola. "These funds to be spent immediately this spring and summer will allow all communities to make the most basic and necessary repairs and provide quick improvements for the traveling public."The $40 million program includes $30 million allocated to all municipalities according to the same Chapter 90 formula used to provide longer term local road and bridge project funds. MassDOT will receive $10 million to address the greater than normal winter damage to Interstate highways and other state roads.Since January, MassDOT has received nearly 1,700 pothole reports and already spent more than $880,000 repairing potholes on state roadways. By comparison, the $40 million allocated for the recovery program could pave 530 lane miles of roadway based on current pricing.The Pothole and Winter Recovery Program is funded through existing FY2014 authorizations available to the department prior to the expected passage of the Transportation Bond Bill and requires all work to be completed by September of 2014.MassDOT asks the public's help in reporting potholes on state roads, allowing repairs to be made as quickly as possible.If you see a pothole, call MassDOT at 857-DOT-INFO (857-368-4636), toll free at 877-MA-DOT-GOV (877-623-6846), or visit the online contact information web page to send an e-mail.